Chart Recorder Vs. Data Logger

Environmental Monitoring is no longer just a choice between chart recorders and data loggers. Dickson offers you multiple choices based on how you want to see your data. Dickson's wide range of temperature, temperature and humidity, pressure, and universal event loggers come in a variety of models* that each display information differently. Here is a break down of your choices:

Chart Recorders

Chart recorders are mechanical devices that consist of a paper chart rotating around a center hub. While that is happening a pen on an articulating arm is drawing on the rotating chart. The pen arm moves based on the the readings of either a sensor or a bimetal (a specialized piece of metal that expands and contracts based on the temperature).

Pros:

Quickly view your data

Charts an pens can be replaced in seconds

Creates a physical paper document of your recording history

Available in 3", 4", 6", and 8" chart sizes for varying data resolution

Cons:

User needs to refill charts and pens

Restricted to recording within the range of the chart (though, you can buy different charts)

Smaller size unit means less data resolution, more flexibility on where you can place it

Larger units mean greater data resolution, but less flexibility on where you can place it

Data Loggers

Data loggers are digital devices that consist of a sensor to read environmental conditions and memory to store the recorded data.

Pros:

Compact- fit almost anywhere

Choose a higher or lower resolution for your data on the computer

Export data to other software to work with or graph

Quickly view data on units with displays

No consumables like charts and pens

Cons:

Data must be downloaded to a computer via a USB cable, ethernet, an SD card, or by taking the unit back to the computer (wirelessly is an option, see WiZARD2 below)

User needs to be familiar with computers

WiZARD2 Wireless

The WiZARD2 Wireless System is a scaleable system that can meet any logging needs. With six different loggers to choose from, you are sure to find the right configuration for your needs (click here to jump to the System Configuration Wizard). The WiZARD2 System is a system of data loggers that transmits data wirelessly back to the PC, thus eliminating the a con of the data loggers.

Pros:

No bringing the logger back to the computer!

Email and SMS text alerts!

Compact- fit almost anywhere

Choose a higher or lower resolution for your data on the computer

Export data to other software

Quickly view data on units with displays

No consumables like charts and pens

Cons:

User must be familiar with computers

Paperless Recorders (Touchscreens)

Our Paperless Recorders have touchscreens on them which literally puts all the settings, features, and data right at your fingertips. Change the unit's sample rate, scales, graph view, alarms, and more all on the unit! It is very easy to get started with.

Pros:

No bringing the logger back to the computer (unless you want to download the data)

Choose a higher or lower resolution for your data right on the unit

Set your alarms and other settings on the unit

Quickly view data on the large display

Choose from multiple views to see the data the way you want

No consumables like charts and pens

Cons:

None! It is the best of all worlds.

*Not all variables are available in all the various types of products.